The upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will see Australia without some key Australian Cricket Players, some of its most crucial players. Due to injuries, personal reasons, and retirement, several key figures from the World Cup-winning squad will be absent. This leaves Australia with significant gaps to fill ahead of one of cricket’s most prestigious tournaments.
Let’s take a closer look at the players who will be missing and what their absence means for the team’s chances.
1. Australian Cricket Player: Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood (Injuries)
Australia’s pace attack has taken a massive hit, with both Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood ruled out due to ongoing injuries. According to selection chair George Bailey, the duo was unable to recover in time for the tournament.
Cummins, Australia’s ODI captain, has been struggling with an ankle issue, exacerbated by a heavy workload in recent series. He also skipped the Test series in Sri Lanka to be with his family for the birth of his second child. Meanwhile, Hazlewood has been managing a hip injury after recovering from calf and side injuries that kept him out of several Test matches.
Impact on Australia’s Champions Trophy 2025 Squad:
- With Cummins and Hazlewood out, Australia will have to rely on a new pace attack.
- Sean Abbott, Spencer Johnson, and Ben Dwarshuis have been added as potential replacements.
- The leadership role for the Champions Trophy is now up for grabs, with Steve Smith and Travis Head being the frontrunners.
2. Australian Cricket Player: Mitchell Starc (Withdrawn for Personal Reasons)
Mitchell Starc has opted out of the Champions Trophy for personal reasons, further weakening Australia’s bowling lineup. His absence means Australia will enter the tournament without their first-choice pace attack from the 2023 ODI World Cup.
While Starc’s decision remains private, his commitment to Australian cricket has never been in doubt. His ability to play through pain and deliver under pressure has been one of the defining aspects of his career.
Impact on Australia’s Champions Trophy 2025 Squad:
- Left-arm pacer Spencer Johnson is likely to be his replacement.
- Australia will miss Starc’s experience in high-pressure knockout games.
- The pace attack is now completely untested at this level.
3. Australian Cricket Player: Marcus Stoinis (Retirement from ODI Cricket)
Marcus Stoinis announced his retirement from ODI cricket on February 6, ruling himself out of the Champions Trophy. At 35, Stoinis has chosen to focus on T20 cricket, where he remains a key figure in the Australian setup.
Stoinis played a vital role in Australia’s 2023 ODI World Cup campaign, particularly with his all-round abilities. His performances with the ball and his finishing ability with the bat will be missed in the middle order.
Impact on Australia’s Champions Trophy 2025 Squad:
- All-rounder Aaron Hardie is the only seam-bowling all-rounder left in the squad.
- Cooper Connolly has been added as a potential replacement.
- The lower middle-order lacks an experienced finisher.
4. Australian Cricket Player: Mitchell Marsh (Back Injury)
Mitchell Marsh has been ruled out due to a back injury and is unlikely to play again this season. His injury has also put his IPL stint with Lucknow Super Giants in doubt.
Marsh was expected to be a key player for Australia at No.3 in the batting order. Since returning to the top order in 2023, he had been averaging 44.54 in ODIs with an impressive strike rate of 109.13.
Impact on Australia’s Champions Trophy 2025 Squad:
- Australia needs a new No.3 batter, with Jake Fraser-McGurk being the likeliest replacement.
- The all-rounder options are now limited, forcing a possible reshuffle in the playing XI.
- With Marsh also unavailable as a leadership option, Australia needs to confirm a new vice-captain.
What’s Next for Australia?
With so many key players missing, Australia has made several squad adjustments. The selectors have added fresh faces to the team, hoping they can step up to the challenge:
Possible Replacements in the Champions Trophy 2025 Squad:
- Fast bowlers: Sean Abbott, Spencer Johnson, Ben Dwarshuis
- All-rounders: Aaron Hardie, Cooper Connolly
- Batsmen: Jake Fraser-McGurk
- Spinners: Tanveer Sangha (backup for Adam Zampa)
Despite the setbacks, Australia still has a strong core with experienced players like Steve Smith, Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Glenn Maxwell, and Alex Carey leading the charge.
Conclusion:
Australia’s campaign in the Champions Trophy 2025 is set to be one of their most challenging in recent history. Missing their entire frontline pace attack and two key all-rounders, the team will have to rely on its depth and adaptability. While new players have an opportunity to shine, the absence of seasoned stars could make it difficult to replicate past successes.
With Steven Smith expected to lead the team, Australia will enter the tournament as an unpredictable force. Whether the young replacements can step up to the occasion remains to be seen. Cricket fans will be eagerly watching to see how Australia navigates this major setback.
What do you think? Can Australia still be a contender in the Champions Trophy without these big names? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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